A Dublin tattoo artist has revealed a portrait of notorious criminal James ‘Jaws’ Byrne, a figure with strong ties to Dublin’s criminal underworld, in a recent Instagram post. The tattoo, created by Willos Tats, commemorates Byrne, who passed away last year.
The post shows before-and-after images of the tattoo, which features the self-described criminal in his likeness. Known for his connections with high-profile criminals, Byrne was once a close associate of Martin ‘The General’ Cahill, a notorious armed robber.
A Legacy Tied to the Kinahan Cartel
James Byrne, also known as Jemmy, was the father of Liam Byrne, a lieutenant in the infamous Kinahan Cartel, who was recently released from a UK prison. Liam had served three months of a five-year sentence for a weapons plot. James’s son, David, was tragically murdered in the 2016 Regency Hotel attack, a key event tied to the violent cartel. James’s nephew, ‘Fat’ Freddie Thompson, is serving a life sentence for murder.
Artist’s Tribute to a “Hero”
In the Instagram post, the tattoo artist expressed pride in completing the portrait of Jemmy Byrne, calling it “freshly done” and “beautifully done.” He added that the redness of the tattoo would subside in a few days, giving way to a soft, greyish finish.
“I honestly love the trust when clients let me do something of this level that’s near and dear to someone,” the artist wrote, expressing his gratitude to the client for allowing him to work on such a meaningful tribute.
The tattoo has received numerous appreciative comments, including one from a viewer who wrote, “Superb, family will be proud.”
Mourning a Loss: A Son’s Tribute
In a related tribute, Liam Byrne’s son Lee spoke at a memorial for his late grandfather. During the service, Lee read a message on behalf of his father, describing James as a “hero.” He recalled the deep bond between father and son, stating, “They had a bond that could never be broken. They were inseparable.”
Liam Byrne, who was unable to attend the service due to his imprisonment, expressed regret at not being able to support his mother, who he described as someone he “adores.”
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